May 19, 2009 - California State University, Bakersfield students are exercising their minds and bodies thanks to the opening of the Student Recreation Center. Earlier today (May 19), approximately 200 students and community members officially inaugurated the state-of-the-art center at a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting.

"The recreation center is an exciting and historic addition to our campus," said President Horace Mitchell in a statement shared with the crowd. "It is historic because it is a direct result of our students embracing the university's vision, especially that part which speaks to enhancing the quality of the student experience. I wish to thank all of our CSUB students - past and current - whose commitment has made this facility possible."

Located just south of the Student Union, the 75,130 square-foot, $21.7 million facility features a fitness area equipped with 60 cardiovascular machines including treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, exercise bikes, climbers, and rowing ergometers; free weight benches, barbells, dumbbells, plate-loaded weight equipment, variable resistance weight machines, core strength area, stretching area, and 24 LCD big screen televisions. There is also a three-court gymnasium, three-lane suspended track, and juice bar.

The facility's centerpiece is a 34-foot high freestanding rock wall capable of accommodating up to seven roped climbers simultaneously.

"It's been incredible to witness the growth of student life immediately following the opening of the Student Recreation Center - which is now more often known among students as 'The Rec,'" said Zandre Azogue, a CSUB junior who chairs the Student Union board. "The rock wall is definitely an exhilarating experience. I try to climb it every day!

"I think this will bring students, faculty and staff closer together as we battle it out in badminton or basketball. I guess the next step would be figuring out how to convert three-point shots into extra credit points," he joked.

The SRC is funded entirely by CSUB students who voted in 2005 to increase their activities fees to make the project possible. No state funds were used for the project. Current students can use the center free of charge and those that graduated after the fall of 2005 will be allowed to use the center at no charge for the number of quarters they paid increased student fees. The center employs 104 students who have all participated in training sessions to ensure the safety of those who utilize the facility's equipment.

S.C. Anderson, Inc., of Bakersfield was the project contractor; Sink Combs Dethlefs, a Denver architectural firm specializing in sports facilities and fitness centers, designed the center. The firm has designed a number of university centers, including facilities at the University of Colorado, Ohio State University, Fresno State University, University of New Mexico, and Colorado State University.

The SRC is the university's newest building, following the opening of Science III last spring.